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Four New Profs Join School of Environmental Design and Rural Development

Posted on Wednesday, February 21st, 2018

The School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD) is pleased to welcome Nicolas Brunet, Martin Holland, Brendan Stewart and Nadia Amoroso as new assistant professors. They all joined the school on July 1, 2017.

The four new SEDRD faculty are providing leadership and support in the development and delivery of courses, studios, and field work at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

“I am absolutely confident that these four tremendous individuals will enrich the learning of our students and broaden our breadth of research,” says Prof. Sean Kelly, chair of the school. “These hirings are opportune for SEDRD and the Ontario Agricultural College and work toward fortifying vibrant and desirable programs for our students.”

Brunet joins the school in the Latornell Professorship in Environmental Stewardship, largely serving the rural planning master’s program. Prior to joining U of G he was an assistant professor with the University of Saskatchewan. He earned his PhD from McGill in 2014 and his master’s degree from U of G in 2006. Brunet’s research looks at the policy related issues regarding resource management and knowledge systems that guide environmental decision making in Canada's northern and resource-based communities.

Holland comes to the University of Guelph from Clemson University where he was an assistant professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture. He received his PhD from the University of Illinois in 2014 and his master’s from the University of Virginia in 2002. Holland’s research program focuses on the intersection of landscape design, cultural studies and collective memory.

“I am thrilled to be part of the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, and in particular, to be actively involved in the education and training of the next generation of Canadian landscape architects and planners,” says Holland. “To be associated with SEDRD and the University of Guelph is an absolute honour.”

Stewart joins U of G from ERA Architects Inc. where he has worked as a professional landscape architect and heritage planner since 2009. Stewart received his Master’s of Landscape Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley in 2009, and his undergrad from U of G in 2004. Stewart’s research focuses on the intersection of cultural heritage planning, contemporary design, and participatory processes.

“I am honoured to join the University, and feel very privileged to have the opportunity to work with the talented students and faculty of SEDRD,” says Stewart. “I look forward to contributing to the cultivation of an engaging, challenging, and innovative learning environment for all”.

Amoroso has been an adjunct professor since 2010 with the department. She received her PhD from Bartlett School of Architecture (University College London) in 2010 and has two master’s degrees from Bartlett School of Architecture (University College London) and University of Toronto. Amoroso’s research work focuses in visual communication in landscape architecture, digital design, data visualization and creative mapping.

“I am excited to work with my students in helping them with design challenges and pushing the envelope on creative forms of visual representation of the built environment,” says Amoroso. “I hope to inspire students to become leaders in various sectors in landscape architecture and urban design.”

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Established in 1874, the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) is a founding college of the University of Guelph and is Canada's largest and most renowned agricultural college. OAC is a global leader in education, research and service focusing on agriculture, food, the environment and communities.